A Blog About Roofing

Author: Stella Mason

If you are currently planning to start a roofing project, whether it is small, such as maintenance or large, such as complete reroofing, you are probably also looking for some guidance about how to hire a trustworthy roofing company. The expertise and quality of the services provided by one of your roofing companies in Austin are just as important as the materials used for your construction, so taking one step at a time and making a fully weighted decision are very important for success. Here are a few tips about how to find the best contractor.

Online Research

Start the selection process by carrying out a quick and simple research online. Enter a query into your browser specifying to type of work that you want to get done and your location – your search will return company websites operated by roofers in your area. Take your time to have a look at each available website and look for information about the contractor’s expertise, experience and general attitude towards providing services. Roofing being a highly specialised trade, you must know that not all roofers provide all sort of services and not all of them handle all they available roofing materials, so try to pick 3 or 4 roofers who do exactly what you want.

Check Reputation

What you need is a roofer whose trustworthiness is an unquestionable. You can turn to the internet for that type of information as well – there are lots of forums, blogs and review websites that provide details about how reliable a specific roofer is.

Ask for Cost Estimates

When you have found at least 3 or 4 roofers that you consider suitable for your project, it is time to contact them and find out their rates. You can either contact the roofers on your list and invite them to the job site to show them your project or you can contact them by sending them an email with the details of what needs to be done. Evaluate the cost estimates that you receive based on the materials used, the quality of the services, the completion deadline as well as based on the warranties offered on the labour and on the roofing materials. Some manufacturers of roofing materials offer warranty on their products only if the products are handled by a roofer approved by the manufacturer, so always check that aspect.

Include Everything into a Contract

The last step that we propose in our short guide about how to hire a trustworthy roofing company before actually starting collaboration with your roofer is to put every detail into a contract. A written cost estimate is not enough – you need a properly formulated, legally binding contract that includes all the details in the written quote as well as all the details that are not in the quote, but you have agreed on with your roofer. You need to have everything in writing, including the deadlines, the materials, the warranties, the project milestones and the payment terms.

With these tips about how to hire a trustworthy roofing company, you will surely find the partner who provides the quality that you are looking for and you will be able to enjoy the safety and the curb appeal provided by your new roof for decades to come.

The best way to fix a roof depends on the type of roof issue that needs to be fixed and your experience as a DIY roofer – while in some situations you can solve the problem without being required to use any special tools and without any special experience, other problems cannot be fixed in a DIY fashion and need a Manhattan KS roofing expert.

Roof Leaks

Leaky roofs can be efficiently fixed by amateur roofers without any special experience. The first task is to identify the location of the leak – if you suspect that your roof is leaking because you see growing damp patches on the ceiling in one or several of your rooms or if you have other signs of excess moisture, such as mold, mildew in your attic or in your rooms, the roof leak is probably right above the damp spot or spots on the ceiling. To be sure you have identified the leak location, check the attic area on a dry and sunny day.

When you have found the place where water has seeped in, look up on the roof standing on the attic floor to check for holes and tiny opening through which the sun shines in. Check the area around the chimneys and other openings, such as the skylights – the structural integrity of the roof is disrupted in these areas and they are more sensitive to the harmful actions of water, even though the areas are usually strengthened with flashing.

When you know where the leak or the leaks are, go up on the roof and inspect the area, then remove the damaged tile or shingle and replace it with new tiles or shingles. If the leak is caused by the failure of the flashing, repair it with some caulk or replace the flashing if you think it is beyond repair.

Broken Tiles, Shingles and Slates

Roofing cover components are fixed using different methods, but you can easily replace missing or damaged components on your own, with a suitable hammer and fasteners, such as nails.

Broken, Damaged or Clogged Gutter Pipes

Gutter clogging can seriously affect the health of your roof and if you neglect the issue, it can cause serious water damage to your walls and can even lead to basement flooding. Fortunately, you can easily de-clog your gutter by climbing up there with a bucket, a strong brush and a tool that you can use for scraping out the debris that has accumulated inside the pipes over time – you will find dead leaves, twigs, branches, nuts, acorns, dust, maybe even bird nests or rodent nests.

When the Best Way to Fix a Roof is Hiring a Professional

If you are not comfortable working on roofs or if the roofing issue can be fixed only with special tools, such as hydraulic equipment in the case of roof sagging, the best method to strengthen your roof is probably to turn to a professional roofer. Metal roofing Manhattan KS experts not only know the best way to fix a roof, but they also have the right tools to be able to do the repairs in a professional, efficient and safe manner.

To determine the answer to the question “what is the best material for a roof?” is not easy – there are lots of other, very specific questions that you need to ask yourself first. Here are the most important factors to consider before selecting the material that is the most suitable for your roof.

The Weight of the Material

Not all roofing materials are lightweight, therefore not all of them are suitable for lightweight construction or not without special weight-bearing framing at least. Asphalt shingles are very lightweight, so they are suitable for any building, the second lightest material being metal, while clay, concrete, wood and slate are among the heaviest materials, suitable only for solid buildings.

Colors and Styles

Slate, clay and wood come in a limited color range that consist mainly of natural earth colors, such as shades of brown, red and terracotta and the shape of the roofing components is also limited, while metal roofs and roofing shingles are available in many different shapes and in almost any color, including green, blue, black, white and other unusual colors.

Weather-resistance

A very important aspect to consider, especially in the case of homes located in areas that get harsh weather all the time. All roofing products come with specifications related to the resistance they provide against wind, impact, such as hail or other debris as well as with a fire-resistance rating. Each geographical area has its own weather-resistance requirements and regulations that local roofs must respect, so the best material for your roof is not only one that can be supported by your building and looks good, but also one that meets local regulations. Your roofing Omaha contractor will have experience in answering these questions for you.

Installation and Maintenance

Asphalt shingles and metal roofing systems can be installed without any previous experience or special tools, based only on the instruction manual that comes with the system of choice. Clay and concrete tiles, wood and slate systems, on the other hand, require a professional roofing Omaha contractor for proper installation.

Roofing materials are different in terms of maintenance needs as well. Asphalt shingles, metal, clay, concrete and slate roofs don’t need any special maintenance, other than regular inspections followed by the repair of the issues detected during the inspection. Wood roofs need more attention, though – the natural material needs to be treated with special coatings to protect it against rot, insect attacks and the harmful effects of permanent exposure to strong solar radiation.

Costs

Roofing materials come in different price categories as well. Asphalt shingles are the cheapest, followed by metal systems. Clay and concrete roofing occupies the middle of the price range, while wood and slate are the two most expensive materials.

Warranty

Roofing materials are not the same when it comes to warranty periods either. The simplest, 3-tab asphalt shingles come with warranties between 15-25 years, followed by architectural shingles that are warranted for a few years longer. The warranties offered on metal roofs are in 30-50 years range, while clay, concrete and slate are warranted for 50-100 years.

As you see, there is no single one-size-fits-all answer to the initial question, “what is the best material for a roof?” – the best material for your home needs to be determined by your priorities and the specific requirements of your geographical area.

Roofing in Colorado is exposed to harsh circumstances and to quickly changing weather all the time – if you live in the Centennial State and you want to make sure your roof stays strong and solid for as long as possible, the best way is to hire a roofer to maintain the roof and to carry out the repairs that preserve its integrity in a professional manner. However, selecting the best roofer is a difficult task, that’s why we have put together a list with a few aspects and tips to consider before you make the final decision.

Search for Local a Roofer

Colorado is home to many roofers, with Littleton roofers being some of the best, so wherever you live in the state, you will be able to find at least a few companies that provide the service that you need. Most companies service not only the town or the city where they are registered, but neighboring settlements as well, so if you don’t find what you need in your town, you can gradually extend your search to surrounding towns or to the closest big city, but it is a good idea to try to find the contractor that is closest to you first.

Check for Credentials

Not all roofers handle all sorts of roofs or provide all sorts of roofing-related services, so make sure you contact roofers that offer what you need. You should also check the roofer’s experience and expertise before contacting him – most roofers have websites where they provide useful details about their certificates, qualifications, the types of roofs they handle and the services they provide. It is also a good idea to check what previous clients have to say about the roofer you are considering – check the testimonials on the roofer’s website if there is a page dedicated to opinions and you can also check review websites and forums to find out what others think.

Get Written Estimates

The best way to get a general idea of how much your roofing project will cost you is by getting estimates from multiple roofers. Contact the roofers you consider suitable and request detailed, written quotes that include information related to labor costs, material costs, warranties, completion deadlines, every essential aspect. Compare the estimates, but don’t evaluate them based only on the price – quality is more important, so choose the most reasonable quote, not the cheapest or the most expensive one.

The Importance of Personal Contact

Establish personal contact before you choose a roofer – you will have to cooperate with your roofer for the duration of the roofing project, so choose a contractor who inspires trust and you think you can establish a good working relationship with.

The above evaluation criteria are more suitable for larger projects such as roof replacement or new roof installation or for longer relationships such as regular maintenance, but you should follow the procedure as closely as possible if you are faced with a roofing emergency as well – whatever type of service you need for your roofing in Colorado, a strategic approach is always the best when you are looking for the best contractor.

5 Things to Look for in a Roofing Contractor – Schaumburg Tips for Finding the Best Roofers

If you need help from a professional roofing contractor Schaumburg is one place where you won’t find a shortage of reliable experts to assist you. But what is it that a professional roofer can provide you with, and what should you really look for in a local roofing company?

The following recommendations will help you get the most out of local roofing companies in the Schaumburg, Illinois area, and communicate with them efficiently about your roofing problems.

Proper Insurance Coverage

Insurance is one of the first things to look for when you’re hiring a local contractor. Smaller firms in particular can have a way of ensuring lower costs, but without providing adequate insurance coverage.

You have to make sure your roofer has both liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Instead of just taking their word for it, ask to see legitimate certificates, then call the insurance company to confirm your findings.

Average Pricing Ranges

Any roofing expert will tell you that judging a roofing contractor based on their costs for roof replacement, repair and maintenance is not a good idea.

Get more information about each company you are considering, and aim for contractors within an average pricing interval. That way you can make sure the roofers you hire aren’t too cheap to do a good job. Also, you can avoid companies that charge a lot of money for basic tasks like fixing a leak or replacing a few tiles.

Adequate Communication

You have to make sure the contractor you call will keep in touch. As soon as you send them a message or call them for the first time, they should respond promptly and politely.

If the roofer you contact takes a long time to get back to you, or promises that they’ll call and take several hours or even days to leave a message, that should already act as a red flag regarding how they treat their clients.

Roofing Services for Colder Climates

Schaumburg, Illinois, is an area where cold weather is close to home. If you just moved here from a warmer climate you might need assistance and recommendations from local roofers on which type of roofing system to install or what specific services you should go for.

Contact several local roofing companies to learn more about the Illinois climate, the roofing materials that are normally used for building sturdy, fashionable roofs in Schaumburg, and the time of the year when contractors are most active.

Roofing Maintenance Made Easy

Roofing services can offer much more than just a quick fix or a new roof. They can also give you the long term assistance you need in order to keep your roof from breaking down and the upgrades that it may require down the line.

An established local firm with experience in roof inspections, general maintenance, gutter installation and roof damage prevention should be your first choice.

The best thing about a local roofing contractor, Schaumburg experts agree, is that you can get proper assistance at a short notice, and you’ll never have to wait too long before ensuring a quick fix for a leaky roof or other important issues.

For someone who is not familiar with the roofing business, choosing the finest materials for the roof of their dream house is the safest bet to win a durable home. Needless to say that the San Antonio roofing products that are promoted by roofers San Antonio has must be sturdy, while also providing an elegant appearance to your home.

A general outlook on roofing materials
There are many San Antonio roofing products that can be successfully incorporated into your dream roof. Here are a few tips on roofing materials, which may help you get a clear idea regarding the materials you can choose from when doing a roof job:
• Asphalt shingles, which are very cost-effective and easy to install; they have a variable lifespan and they are recommended only for an inclined roof;
• Shake is made of wood and it provides a rustic appearance to your home, although it is not fire resistant and is not appropriate for a humid climate;
• Rubber shingle, can last at least half a century if properly installed and maintained;
• Slate, which is a very durable material for a roof, being able to last up to a few hundred years; the downsize of this material is that the cost of the roof in this case can go as far as to surpass the construction costs, and the weight will also cause an additional burden on the walls of the home, which is why the building must be properly consolidated prior to installing this type of roof;
• Ceramic tile – great roofing material, with high durability (up to a century), is usually very expensive but worth the cost since it is fire and water resistant;
• Metal – depending on the type of metal used (galvanized steel, copper or stone coating metal) the costs may vary from affordable to very expensive, durable and with an elegant outlook;
• Concrete, or cement reinforced a composite material, has good strength and durability. A type of concrete, called structural concrete is also used in flat roof construction;
• Bitumen waterproof roofing, in combination with fiberglass;
• Solar shingles, also called solar panels – are very expensive yet they can produce electricity, thanks to the photovoltaic materials incorporated in the roof.

What goes best in terms or roofing materials for San Antonio?
Seeing as the most appropriate roof shape for this area is the hip roof, thanks to its increased durability over other roof shapes, materials which are best suited for this style are metal, tiles or shingles. However, the hip roof will allow for other materials as well, provided that the workmanship and the installation are properly done. As a general rule, one must also keep in mind that the underlayment, a roof part that is placed below the shingles, must be paid great care when being installed, as it provides a water barrier for the roof. Any oversight in the installation of the underlayment may lead to water leakage and the rotting of the wood sheathing, which provides stability for the roof frame.

The best Georgia roofing products at this moment are shingles, according to specialists. More and more homeowners are looking to install them because of more than one reason. They have found them to be the best decision, and we are going to share their reasons.

Material choices

Shingles come in several material choices. You can get them in asphalt, wood, brick, glass, metal, slate, carbon fiber and even plastic. It is all a matter of taste and choice. The most common type of shingle that homeowners are interested in purchasing is the asphalt shingle. There are a lot of people that are investing in brick shingles. They have a unique aspect and composition and they last longer. However, some have chosen the carbon fiber shingles. It is something that hit the market recently and homeowners are going crazy over them. They are extremely strong, light and can last you for more than 25 years.

Flexibility

Unlike other roofing materials, shingles are easy to work with. The most common roofing material is the asphalt shingle because it is very easy to replace. In case you would need to replace a broken piece, you could do it yourself, without having to call in a team of roofers. Homeowners are looking to take care of their homes themselves. That is another reason why they prefer shingles. They are very easy to work with. Even the installing process takes less than in other cases.

Price

The most important aspect of shingles is their price. Shingles are the no. 1 choice for any homeowner or roofer that wants to finish the job fast and on a small budget. You would be amazed at what deals you can get by purchasing shingles. Also, if you find the right contractor for the job, there is a big chance that you will get yourself a discount on the shingles. The best Georgia roofing products do not need to be highly expensive. They need to be effective and put to good use. You would be amazed at how many people are installing them, you can however have a Lake Oconee roofing contractor do the install for a reasonable price.

If you are looking to build your own home and stay on a fix budget, then shingles are exactly what you need. You can talk it out with your contractor in case you are doubting quality. You can even talk to friends and family to find out what they think about shingles. And if you are still not satisfied, feel free to look for reviews online on this material. While some are skeptic about the quality of the product at first, other are more than satisfied with the outcome in the end. Just to prove a point, you can feel free and talk to homeowners that have had their roof installed for years. Ask them if they are pleased with their choice and see what they have to say about it. You will see you’ll hear only good things about shingles.

When you’re looking for the best types of roofing in Arizona, you can’t ignore the benefits and drawbacks of both tile and shingle roofing. These two varieties are often pitted against each other, and there are many opposing opinions as to whether one or the other might be the better choice.

The Main Benefits of Shingle Roofing

Buying the best roof shingles for Arizona can help you considerably reduce your roofing costs. Most types of shingle roofing, especially asphalt shingles, are not only very popular in Arizona, but also represent a low-cost alternative to most other varieties of roofing. Talk with one of the Flagstaff roofing contractors to help yo decide which roofing products hold up the best.

Asphalt shingles are composed of a base that is usually either made from fiberglass or an organic compound, and that base is saturated with asphalt and fitted with a mineral coating to resist the elements more efficiently. Other varieties of composite shingles also exist that can increase the lifespan of the roof and provide added thermal efficiency.

The main advantages of shingle roofing include the following:

They are a low-budget option both when it comes to the price of material and the cost of installation. They offer

Shingles are easier to install, lighter and more diverse than most types of roofing.

They can offer a great variety of styles to choose from, so you can always make sure your shingle roof is fashionable.

Shingles can last between 15 and 40 years depending on the type and quality of the shingles, the technology used in their manufacturing process and on whether or not they were installed

properly.

One of their unique qualities is actually a drawback in most places. Shingle roofs don’t cool down as easily, and that usually requires AC units to work harder in the summer, increasing energy expenditures. In some parts of Arizona, however, where the winter months can bring temperatures of less than -10 degrees, this can be a welcome asset in helping to fend off the cold of winter.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

The main advantages of clay and concrete tiles, as opposed to asphalt and composite shingle roofing, is that they last longer – with a lifespan of around 40-50 years – they are energy-efficient, and they resist very well to heat and fire, the latter of which can be a great asset in Arizona’s dry climate.

Despite these benefits, however, tiles are also very bristle and fragile. They can crack if someone so much as steps on them, and their significant weight cannot be supported by some homes’ decking and sheathing architecture.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that most roofers in your area might find it difficult to even install clay and concrete tiles properly. Not only are they less of a popular choice for Arizona, but they require a felt underlayment that is designed to keep the water out of your house, since the tiles aren’t waterproof. The underlayment itself might not outlast your roof without some serious long term maintenance work, which can be quite problematic after 15-20 years.

The Bottom Line

While tile roofing can be more durable in the long run, and its increased energy efficiency is usually an advantage, shingle roofs are much more popular and practical in most parts of Arizona. If you’re looking for an affordable, long-lasting roof that also makes your home look great, there is no better option than the best roof shingles for Arizona.

California’s climate is Mediterranean with warm to hot summers and mild winters. Some parts of the state receive a wide range of precipitation while others are near desert-like. This is why the main concern of building owners in the area is to get cool roofing systems, able to reflect the sunlight and keep the excessive heat away.

Today, there are kinds of roofing materials on the market, but here are some of the most popular roofing products used in California.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

In most of the cases, they are made from cedar, cypress, yellow pine and redwood. They have been very popular in California until recent years when the emergence of other fire-proof synthetic materials on the market started to question their position. As a consequence, wood shakes and shingles are now treated with fire retardants, being still widely available. Because let`s face it: they are some of the most beautiful roofing materials out there, with many other qualities that cannot be overlooked.

Clay and Terracotta

Earthen materials are traditional and still some of the best for hot climates. They are versatile and can be painted to look like expensive slate or ancient terracotta, enhancing the curb appeal of any building, regardless its intricate architectural style. They are heavy materials, requiring a solid building structure, but also very resistant and can be treated to be waterproof and reflective say the Santa Clara roofing contractors.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete is economical, less expensive and durable than slate or terracotta, but better than asphalt shingles. Concrete tiles have a natural ability to reflect the sun, not allowing the heat to pass below the roof. It is also a material easy to work with and all these features make it one of the favorite materials especially in hot and industrial areas. White Barrel ‘S’ Tiles are a particular type of concrete composite tiles, molded into half barrel ‘S’ shapes, imitating different patterns and being suitable for both residential and commercial buildings. They are highly reflective (40% more ultraviolet rays is reflected by White Barrel ‘S’ Tiles than by the earthen materials like clay and terracotta).

Synthetic rubber and thermoplastic roofing materials

These materials are largely used in commercial roofing, everywhere in California. They are durable, waterproof, reflective and often used not only as primary roofing material but also as a foundation for other cool roofing options.

White Flat Tile

These are probably the best roofing products used in California. Constructed of ceramic, elastomeric material composites and cement, white flat tiles reflect about 80% of the sun rays. They require periodic cleaning, but the cleaning costs are small compared with the energy benefits provided.

Metal Roofing

Lightweight, very durable, fireproof, waterproof and reflective, metal is one of the best materials out there, in any type of climate. It comes with up to 50-year warranty and requires very little maintenance. It can be painted and imitates different patterns. To maintain high R-values, a metal roofing system is typically applied over dense foam insulation.

Want to hire someone to fix your roof or replace it? If the answer is yes, that you have made an excellent choice! Many people these days believe that they are some kind of undiscovered geniuses. They think they know everything that’s going on in this world, and therefore they don’t need the help of outsiders.

From amateur electricians, to plumbers and even roofers, these people think they know better than a true professional. They are obviously wrong, and many times this kind of approach proves to be disastrous or hilarious, depending on the case. Some people discover that they accidentally deteriorated part of their house or appliances, while others make fools of themselves.

Some who are a bit more unfortunate even go viral on the internet, their misadventures into the world of amateur home repairs becoming an online phenomenon. In the worst case scenario, such undertaking can even lead one straight into the hospital.

Roofing is not a joke. It is one serious business, and only professionals should be allowed to apply.

How do you find a professional?

Many people are wise enough to know that roofing is a delicate and dangerous work, so they let roofers handle it. However, simply finding a roofer and contacting them won’t do the trick. It is not enough to simply flip through the Yellow Pages and called the first roofer you find there. You will also need to hire a professional.

But how do you recognize a professional? Many people have asked that question and the answers are varied, but there is a common pattern to follow when you want to hire a professional roofer.

The first thing all good Parker roofers have is a solid reputation. If you ask anyone that has requested his service, they will always have only nice things to say. Reputation can make or break you in this business, so many roofers take their fame very seriously. It’s not just something they pride with. It is their calling card! A professional roofer also knows good manners and will listen to what you have to say. He doesn’t have to be very chatty, but he will be communicative, will acknowledge what you ask of him and will politely tell you what can and can’t be done when it comes to your roof. Good communication is key when it comes to roofing projects, and any true professional will know that. Finally, a true professional also knows to use the best Colorado roofing products in order to get maximum benefits in their project. Confidence and knowledge of all the things that roofing involves are two of the most valuable traits that a roofer should have.

If you want to find a good roofer or roofing firm, be sure to check your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce. Here you can check their background and see if you find your guy.

Be sure you don’t become the next viral sensation on the internet: hire a professional Colorado roofer today and choose the best Colorado roofing products for your project.